Are you going around the 2nd bend? How to make a good impression.

The key to good fitting custom earmoulds and hearing protection, ITE and CIC hearing aids are accurate ear impressions. Its important to know when you’ve inserted your otostop deep enough down the canal, and that the otostop is pointed in the direction of the eardrum. A good, deep impression means getting to the 2^nd bend of the ear canal. Some tell-tale signs that you’ve reached the 2^nd bend include a characteristic slip of the otostop into position which often coincides with slight resistance as it enters the bony portion of the canal. When you look on otoscopy, you will see that the otostop is framed by the cartilaginous portion of the canal.

All ear canals are very different from one another and taking good impressions takes practice. Patient/client safety is paramount and the British Society of Audiology has a recommended procedure for impression-taking in adults/children over 5 years of age and for children under 5 years of age.

Tracy James is holding 1-day BSA accredited impression-taking courses at PC Werth on the 8^th of March (Audiology House) and 8^th of May (Venue TBC) 2016 for adults/over 5 years and 9^th March for children/under 5 years. Learn how to take impressions safety and accurately according to the recommended procedure, using the correct brace positions during the procedure. Learn about what to look for on otoscopy and experience how to know when you’ve reached the 2^nd bend.

Find out about Tracy James and take a look at her website: www.tjaudiology.com for more details regarding her courses, or email tjaudiology@outlook.com.

Feedback from courses:

Surveillance Audiometry

“Very informative with powerpoint and we had plenty of time during the practice sessions”

Impression Taking

“Getting hands on with the impression material and being guided through the correct technique. Also being able to practice on other students”

“Very open, inclusive and interactive. Felt like you could ask anything”

“Everything was explained very well and the course leader was very patient with everyone and ensured that we were competent with all of the equipment”

“The practical side of the course was great, we had lots of opportunities to practice on different people”

Adult Impression Taking

“As a complete, beginner and slightly nervous of the practical aspect, there was a great deal of empathy and confidence building through out, you never felt left behind. It was good to be led by example, and the opportunity to practice with a hand on approach was excellent” [Training course]

“Good balance of theory and practice”

“The course is very clear and well laid out. The examples of inner ear photographs were really helpful”

“Information was on point and demonstrations showed a real professional touch without being patronising”

“Being able to practice on other students knowing you have supervision from very experienced Audiologists who can instruct you in the correct way of doing Otoscopy and Impression taking had been one of the many strengths of the course. By giving you a strong foundation in Impression taking and Otoscopy along with in-depth discussion on contraindications the course arms you with so much more confidence and knowledge to pursue this area at work”